Hank Ropati remembers playing arcade games at 83 Leland Avenue as a kid in late 1980s where City Wash Laundromat now sits. He and his friends would hangout on Leland Avenue, grabbing a bite to eat at Luen Fat Bakery and Restaurant (110 Leland Avenue) when they weren't in school at Visitacion Valley Elementary and later middle school. Long story short, Hank grew up in downtown Visitacion Valley where he still resides on Peabody and Leland. He's as local as they come, so it's only fitting that Hank was able to open his new retail store – Down to Baysics on his birthday December 18th. Hank saw his opportunity at the newly vacated 93 Leland Avenue storefront; recognizing increased foot traffic, and a neighborhood on the right track. Whats more, with friends and neighbors frequently heading over to San Bruno Avenue to do their clothing shopping, he saw a market for retail clothing in Visitacion Valley - acknowledging “people want to shop in the neighborhood.”
For those who not only want to shop locally, but save time and serious money – Down to Baysics is the spot. The merchandise is exactly what you'd expect from the name - clothing essentials, everything from: white tees to thermals, hats, jackets, sweatshirts, pants, and all sold at a great price. To be sure, he has beanies and hats for only $5.00 and brand name jackets (including Renegade) all priced between $40.00 and $50.00. While tall tee shirts and thermals are top sellers right now, merchandise will be keeping up with the seasons; expect to see affordable, top notch warm weather apparel including brand name shorts for sale starting in March.
Hank keeps his prices low on a wide variety of top quality accessories for men and women too, including earring, bracelets, glasses, and necklaces. When you visit Down to Baysics however, chance are you won't find Hank, who works primarily behind the scenes, making business connections and checking inventory. Instead, you'll be greeted by his cousin Classy and his wife Matty. Hank is already talking about expanding the store over to the East Bay in the future, and plans to open a barbershop next door as soon as February. Down to Baysics has all your clothing essentials on sale for less. They're open Monday through Saturday from 10am – 7pm at 93 Leland Avenue.
